Mixed Fantasy Wins SLM Big Daddy Stakes

The $38,300 SLM Big Daddy Stakes serves as a specialty for those who compete. At 550 yards, the “Big Daddy” is a race for unique long-stretch runners or for those preparing to go in stakes races around the turn at 870 yards. Mixed Fantasy may be a solid combination of both types after handling his rivals Saturday night at Remington Park.

Owned by J K Running Horses of Neosha Falls, Kansas, and trained by Kenny Laymon, Mixed Fantasy did not get away quickly at the start but was fast to recover under jockey Josh Romero.

“He got off a little slow but as soon as I got after him, he took off and did it all on his own,” said Romero.

Mixed Fantasy won his fourth consecutive race, dating to September last year. The 4-year-old gelding opened up a clear lead midway through the race, then held off some late runners to win by three-quarters of a length over Emperor Valerian and Arbeka Raincloud. Mixed Fantasy crossed the 550-yard finish in :26.451 seconds over a fast track.

At 8-1 odds in the wagering, Mixed Fantasy paid $18.40 to win, $7.20 to place and $4 to show. Emperor Valerian was the 3-1 wagering favorite, paying $4.60 to place and $3.20 to show. Arbeka Raincloud returned $2.80 to show.

A son of Okey Dokey Fantasy from the Streakin Six mare Mixin Sixin, Mixed Fantasy was bred in Alabama by Carl and Luanne Humphries. Mixed Fantasy has now won eight of 16 career starts with the SLM Big Daddy becoming his first win in four tries at Remington Park. The winner’s check of $20,730 pushes his overall earnings to $86,265. He earned his first stakes victory last year in the 870-yard Covered Bridges Stakes at Prairie Meadows.

The SLM Big Daddy is named after arguably the most popular American Quarter Horse to compete at Remington Park. A multiple local stakes winner and Horse of the Meeting, SLM Big Daddy was twice the world champion and retired a millionaire.